London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is situated in the southeaster England at the head of the River Thames estuary. The city of London and 32 surrounding boroughs constitute the Greater London metropolitan area which comes some 1580 square kilometers (13 inner boroughs of which Chelsea is the most popular and 19 outer boroughs of which just Greenwich is known) London is still one of the world s major financial and cultural capitals. Whit a population of about 7 million this vast metropolis is by far the larges in Europe.

The Thames River which runs through London is the most important river in England and the main source of water supply. Most of central London is located along the Thames and a number of bridges over the river connect the northern and southern parts of London.

The seat of the British government is in London in The House of Parliament, officially the New Palace of Westminister. Parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The current building was build in the mid 19-th century and was designed by British architect Sir Charles Barry.

Big Ben is the great bell in the Clock Tower on the eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. It was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, London chief commissioner of works in 1858 when the bell was hung. Westminster Abbey, built in Gothic style has been the scene of coronation of sovereigns from William the Conqueror in 1066 to Elizabeth] [in 1953. One of the greatest treasures of the Abbey is the oaken Coronation Chair, maid in the 1300. Buckingham Palace in Westminster is the official London residence of the British sovereign. Its interior is opened to the public during August and September while the queen is on vacation, contains many elegantly furnished apartments and noted collections of Paintings. The famous changing of the guards takes place outside Buckingham Palace.

The Crystal Palace built entirely of cast iron and glass, was designed by architect Sir Joseph Paxton for the first universal fair, the Great Exebition of 1851. The fair drew more than 6 million visitors to see an estimated eight miles of display tables located inside the Crystal Palace.

10 Downing Street has been the home of the British Prime Minister since 1732. It is the symbol of British political power.

St. Paul s Cathedral is the most impressive church in London, began in 1675 to a design by Cristop ver Wren. It was built to replace the old St. Paul s Cathedral that was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. London Zoo is in the heart of London, on the north side of Regent s Park. Today the Zoo looks after over 12000 animals whit 650 species accommodated of which 112 species are listed as threatened in Red Data books and 146 participate in breeding programmes.

Piccadilly Circus is one of the busiest attractions in the city and the heart of London s theatre land. The fountain with the statue of Eros on top is a favourite meeting place for young people. At night the ...